Despite liberals’ objections, the House passed President Obama’s tax compromise at midnight on Thursday. The $858 billion bill renews the Bush-era tax cuts for two years and extends unemployment insurance for one year. House members voted 277-148 in support of the package, after a failed last-ditch effort by Democrats to alter the controversial estate-tax provisions. Obama, who admits the deal is flawed, is expected to sign it today. Does this mean the spirit of bipartisanship is alive in Washington? Will Obama’s compromise strategy work in the future or was it a one-off? Will Dems now succeed in forcing a weekend vote on the DREAM Act and Don’t Ask Don’t Tell?
Guests:
Ron Elving, Senior Washington Editor, NPR
Jack Shaw, Capitol Hill reporter for Market News International